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DIY: How to Make Etched Bar Glasses

Thursday, January 14, 2010

This Christmas we went and stayed with John's grandfather... otherwise known as the man who has everything. So, choosing a gift for him was somewhat difficult. But, knowing how much he enjoys his 5 o'clock cocktail hour, I was inspired to make these etched bar glasses for him.

I etched a number on each glass so that there's no question of whose glass is whose. Unless, of course, you've had so many of those cocktails that you can't read the numbers... but, that's another problem, right?

Step 1:Gather your supplies - I bought my plain glasses at Big Lots (set of 8 for $10). I had some etching cream on hand, but you can easily find some at your craft store. I also happened to have some self adhesive vellum, but you could use regular vellum or even sticker paper.

Step 2:

Plan your design - I used my Cricut to cut out the numbers, but if you could always find letter or number stickers (in the scrapbooking aisle at your craft store) and use those.

Step 3:

Cover your workspace with wax paper to protect it. Then, using the negative space around the number, place it on your clean glass. Use a craft stick to burnish all the edges really well so you can have crisp numbers.

*If you don't have self-adhesive paper, then use some repositionable spray glue on the paper - that will get it to adhere just enough.

Step 4:

Apply your etching cream making sure to apply a liberal coat. Follow the directions on the jar... mine said to let it sit for 5 minutes, but I let it sit for 10 minutes.

Step 5:

Rinse off with running water. Should I be wearing gloves? Probably, but I like to live dangerously (don't tell my mom).

And, just allow them to dry. I LOVE the way these turned out... so much that I'm thinking of doing it to the feet of my wine glasses instead of using wine charms.

I just LOVE this idea, and what a great personalized gift! My aunt did this with her wine glasses and butterfly stencils (her husband let her because he doesn't drink wine... so didn't mind the butterflies!). Job well done!

Thank you for this DIY! I might use this to etch my logo onto a large piece of glass to use as a hanging piece to write ideas on. I like the clear glass...reminds me to keep an open mind for new ideas. Thanks again! I will send a picture once I get it done. :)

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